LETTER: U.S. Rep. Chris Gibson has it all over Sean Eldridge, as columnist George Will aptly observes

Monday, February 10, 2014

Dear Editor,

Every voter in the 19th Congressional District should read George Will’s recent analysis of that congressional campaign. In his spot-on piece, the renowned columnist compares U.S. Rep. Chris Gibson, R-Kinderhook, with his “competitor.” However, it’s clear there is no competition as Chris’ journey to Congress is far more interesting, gritty, hard-fought and patriotic than that of instant fame and fortune relocating in search of a political seat to expand the reach of New York City “progressives.”

Will, in his Pulitzer Prize-winning style, paints a picture of a man enthusiastically shopping for political office with a fortune earned by his Facebook-founding husband. Sean Eldridge’s recent move to the district and immediate decisions to run for Congress show that he’s motivated, but the 27-year-old’s motivations are suspect. We need a representative in Congress, not someone who is interested only in representing himself and his limited agenda.

Gibson, on the other hand, is a lifelong public servant. Since retiring from the Army and being elected to Congress, he has listened to his constituents and learned from his neighbors to represent them. He gauges how they think from their letters, emails and the hundreds of constituent events he attends when he is home. This is evident from the support he receives from across the district and across the political spectrum.

Chris represents the people of the 19th District so well because he grew up here, because he lives here and he knows us. That kind of experience and dedication can’t be bought. Don’t just take my word for it, read the opinion of one of the greatest political minds in America.